Whenever I See Communion Line Blessings…

[CradleJourney]

Gentle reminder - before becoming upset with folks who go up for a blessing, please be kind enough to remember that there are priests who specifically tell the congregation that if they cannot received Communion, they should still go up for a “blessing”. (Blessing in quotes because while Fr. does an actual blessing, those going up in the EM’s line are greeted as described above with a hand on the shoulder / God bless you statement - and trust me, if I’d never come across these forums, I’d never have known there was a difference.)

This policy is reinforced by the head of the religious education department and most parishioners who quickly point out that Father and/or RE dir has SAID to go up.

And in our parish if one should remain in the pews, then one does indeed risk becoming a traffic hazard because of the tight spacing between the pews, the narrowness of the aisle and the “flow” of the communion lines. The result is a not infrequent bit of disruption as communicants try to figure out how to get around / over the person either remaining in their pew or trying to stand aside to let others get in an out without anyone getting accidentally stepped on.

So in times of unworthiness to accept, I will simply go ahead and go up for my blessing / greeting(?) and thus make it easier on those around me.

Like I said - I read these forums and would be fine staying in the pew as well if it weren’t so awkwardly disruptive (and disobedient to my pastor who should be my direct guide one would think). But how many others who travel or move, do not? Who take what they have heard and learned in their home parish and carry it forward never knowing there’s anything controversial about it at all.

Shouldn’t we be charitable towards their intentions with the understanding that they might, indeed, be doing what they are under the impression is the correct, and best, thing to do?

 

[Estevao]

I mostly don’t go up, but when you’re the only person who’s blocking a family from going up, and then blocking the other family when they return, it’s a lot easier just to go up for a ‘blessing’.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

I think there are several clarifications to be made here, Deacon, for the benefit of the laity who are reading this thread.

First lay persons do confer blessings. They confer those blessings which The Book of Blessings allows them to confer. The rites themselves make clear what they are to do and how they are to do it.

It is also to be underscored that there are indeed times when laity do this side by side with us who are clergy…notably, for example, in the blessing of throats for the liturgical memorial for Saint Blase, bishop and martyr. When they do so, they are to follow the prescriptions provided in the rubrics.

As for blessings at Communion, the laity are to be admonished to follow the directives promulgated by their own diocesan Bishop, for he is the Moderator of the Liturgy for his diocese and he is the shepherd to whom all in the diocese, clergy and laity, owe their submission and their deference.

The Bishop of Saint Petersburg had legislated for his diocese that Extraordinary Ministers in his diocese are to impart blessings…these Extraordinary Ministers should be in full compliance with his directive and the Bishop’s subjects accepting of his decision regarding the matter…as should those in other dioceses where their Bishop has made the same determination.
*Blessing by an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

Question: Can an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) give a blessing to a person who comes to them in the communion line with arms crossed?

Answer: The answer is yes.*
dosp.org/worship/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/Can-an-Extraordinary-Minister-of-Communion-give-a-blessing.pdf

Conversely, the Cardinal Archbishop of New York City has promulgated the following
*12. Should an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion give a blessing to one who
comes forward in the Communion procession, but who does not wish to receive the
Eucharist?

No. In this case, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion should direct the
individual who wishes to receive a blessing to the nearest priest or deacon. In general,
the practice of giving blessings in the course of distributing Holy Communion is
discouraged*
nyliturgy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/EMHCGuidelines10.12.141.pdf

That is His Eminence’s provision, as Moderator of the Liturgy, for his archdiocese…and those under his jurisdiction, as his subjects, should be in full compliance with what he mandates. The Bishops of the various dioceses mandate what they determine – and obedience to them is to be given.

 

[billsannie]

Speaking for myself…

As I grow older I find that objects around me have become so much larger, steeper and much more apt to catch my feet. Therefore I would much prefer that the people sitting around me get a blessing from someone, anyone rather than for me to trip over their feet and wind up cracking my head on the pew. Or far worse, cracking my head on someone’s bony knee.

 

[alphomega]

There is not a day that goes by in my priesthood that I do not think God for the inestimable gift that has been the reform and renewal of the liturgy…the fruit of the liturgical movement in the decades that preceded the council called by Saint John XXIII.

Yes, I’ve read in other posts of your affection for the new missal. I to have attended some that were very nice. One in particular stands out in my mind. A visiting Dominican priest from Rome celebrated it at our parish. He also celebrated the Tridentine Mass in the Dominican rite. It was, well…extraordinary.

We are blessed as Catholics to have so may ways to receive Gods Grace.

 

[Magdalena59]

It doesn’t bother me to see people going up in the communion line for a blessing, (as long as it is something allowed in the rubrics) but I also understand those who do not want to go to communion or should not go to communion staying in their seats. If it is a problem for people to get around them they could move from the pew just long enough to let everyone out.

Also, perhaps it might be a good idea that people be made to understand that a blessing from a priest and a “blessing” from a lay person are not the same thing.

Another thought, and I am not in charge of things, so it is just a thought, maybe a spiritual communion prayer in the prayer section of the missalette for those who can not receive, even if they do go through the line for a blessing. I have seen some missalettes with that prayer on the back but many people do not use the missalette so the do not know it is there and some may not even know what it is. If the parishioners were told that prayer is there before communion starts, even if they went for a blessing a spiritual communion prayer is an excellent idea and might be a little better for their relationship with Christ than a blessing from a lay person. Spiritual communion prayer such as this one is good:

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You have already come, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

I found this article particularly helpful:

wdtprs.com/blog/2013/02/quaeritur-extraordinary-ministers-of-communion-giving-blessings-as-if-they-were-priests/

 

[paperwight66]

Another thought, and I am not in charge of things, so it is just a thought, maybe a spiritual communion prayer in the prayer section of the missalette for those who can not receive, even if they do go through the line for a blessing. I have seen some missalettes with that prayer on the back but many people do not use the missalette so the do not know it is there and some may not even know what it is. If the parishioners were told that prayer is there before communion starts, even if they went for a blessing a spiritual communion prayer is an excellent idea and might be a little better for their relationship with Christ than a blessing from a lay person. Spiritual communion prayer such as this one is good:

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You have already come, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

I found this article particularly helpful:

wdtprs.com/blog/2013/02/quaeritur-extraordinary-ministers-of-communion-giving-blessings-as-if-they-were-priests/

It is indeed a lovely prayer. But we have to understand that a prayer such as this may not be a good fit for someone just feeling their way into being a Catholic. They may not feel able to say that prayer with any integrity because, quite simply, they do not have that level of belief just yet. On the other hand, they feel drawn to asking for a blessing, perhaps with the unspoken prayer ,‘Lord, I believe. Help the little faith I have’.

Baby steps, baby steps.

 

[JanetF]

 

[JanetF]

.

Also, perhaps it might be a good idea that people be made to understand that a blessing from a priest and a “blessing” from a lay person are not the same thing.

As an EM, I’ve always felt a little awkward when people are in my line for a blessing.

 

[Magdalena59]

It is indeed a lovely prayer. But we have to understand that a prayer such as this may not be a good fit for someone just feeling their way into being a Catholic. They may not feel able to say that prayer with any integrity because, quite simply, they do not have that level of belief just yet. On the other hand, they feel drawn to asking for a blessing, perhaps with the unspoken prayer ,‘Lord, I believe. Help the little faith I have’.

Baby steps, baby steps.

Yes, that would be true for someone just coming into the Catholic Church but I think you would agree that there are many, many who can not receive communion and are in the Church and believe in the True Presence. They could make a spiritual communion.

And similar to what you are saying they could make their own spiritual communion prayer, using the words of their own heart.

As Catholics we should all know what a wonderful prayer it is to make a spiritual communion, any time, any where but especially at Mass if we are unable to receive.

God bless.

 

[Ubenedictus]

There is not a day that goes by in my priesthood that I do not think God for the inestimable gift that has been the reform and renewal of the liturgy…the fruit of the liturgical movement in the decades that preceded the council called by Saint John XXIII.

I have seen priest expressing opposing sentiment and worse I have seen council father who suggest that the currents around the liturgy at the time of the council weren’t always good.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

Yes, I’ve read in other posts of your affection for the new missal. I to have attended some that were very nice. One in particular stands out in my mind. A visiting Dominican priest from Rome celebrated it at our parish. He also celebrated the Tridentine Mass in the Dominican rite. It was, well…extraordinary.

We are blessed as Catholics to have so may ways to receive Gods Grace.

Mass in the Dominican Rite goes back to the 13th century. Because of that, the Dominicans, among others, were exempt from adopting the missal that emerged as a result of Trent. The Mass he celebrated was either Dominican Rite or not…it could not be “Tridentine” and Dominican Rite at the same time. Words have their proper meaning and, in this case, are mutually exclusive.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

I have seen priest expressing opposing sentiment and worse I have seen council father who suggest that the currents around the liturgy at the time of the council weren’t always good.

I occasionally encounter such priests. I regard them with much pity.

As to the Council Fathers…other than the excommunicated Lefebvre, who was of such a sad opinion, I have only the fondest memories of associations with the Council Fathers in the aftermath of Sacrosanctum Concilium, working assiduously for the decree’s extension and expansion, building upon the preliminary norms that they established. Great memories of them. They continue to inspire me in my on-going work concerning the Church’s liturgy, as did the periti, who were exceptional individuals.

 

[alphomega]

Mass in the Dominican Rite goes back to the 13th century. Because of that, the Dominicans, among others, were exempt from adopting the missal that emerged as a result of Trent. The Mass he celebrated was either Dominican Rite or not…it could not be “Tridentine” and Dominican Rite at the same time. Words have their proper meaning and, in this case, are mutually exclusive.

Of course, Thank you. They couldn’t possibly use something that wouldn’t be formalized for another 355 years. While the council did codified the missal in 1570 it dates back to at least the time of St. Gregory the Great with very minor changes.

 

[Boy_Wonder]

“Communion line blessings are a liturgical innovation that needs to stop. There’s no ancient tradition supporting it, and no need for it other than to make people feel included.”
I don’t know if Larry D.'s opinion will catch on; I’m inclined to doubt that he gets much traction, but anything is possible.

catholicconspiracy.com/actsoftheapostasy/2017/03/08/whenever-i-see-communion-line-blessings/

I’m not thrilled with this either, but at least some grace and some longing for the sacrament are imparted. It may be the tether that keeps some in the Church rather than leaving. It also prevents a greater sacrilege from occurring. Better this than receiving unworthily.

]

 

[Jennifoo]

It would seem, if that’s the case, this would be a very good argument for only the ordained to give Holy Communion to avoid the chance of scandal or sacrilege.

Of course. But please understand that the pastor was old and had some serious health issues which limited his capacity to distribute Holy Communion all by himself. He was even given permission to use a chair at the altar. Since it was a small parish he was the only priest. I trusted both his and our bishop’s judgment in these matters.

In my current parish we have both a pastor and a parochial vicar and a permanent deacon who are all young and able-bodied enough to distribute Holy Communion. They only use EMHCs as needed.

 

[Jennifoo]

Gentle reminder - before becoming upset with folks who go up for a blessing, please be kind enough to remember that there are priests who specifically tell the congregation that if they cannot received Communion, they should still go up for a “blessing”. (Blessing in quotes because while Fr. does an actual blessing, those going up in the EM’s line are greeted as described above with a hand on the shoulder / God bless you statement - and trust me, if I’d never come across these forums, I’d never have known there was a difference.)

This policy is reinforced by the head of the religious education department and most parishioners who quickly point out that Father and/or RE dir has SAID to go up.

And in our parish if one should remain in the pews, then one does indeed risk becoming a traffic hazard because of the tight spacing between the pews, the narrowness of the aisle and the “flow” of the communion lines. The result is a not infrequent bit of disruption as communicants try to figure out how to get around / over the person either remaining in their pew or trying to stand aside to let others get in an out without anyone getting accidentally stepped on.

So in times of unworthiness to accept, I will simply go ahead and go up for my blessing / greeting(?) and thus make it easier on those around me.

Like I said - I read these forums and would be fine staying in the pew as well if it weren’t so awkwardly disruptive (and disobedient to my pastor who should be my direct guide one would think). But how many others who travel or move, do not? Who take what they have heard and learned in their home parish and carry it forward never knowing there’s anything controversial about it at all.

Shouldn’t we be charitable towards their intentions with the understanding that they might, indeed, be doing what they are under the impression is the correct, and best, thing to do?

Good post. As for the traffic issue, when I feel unworthy to receive I deliberately sit at one end of a pew so I can get up and let others out and/or in as needed. The added blessing is that it’s also an act of courtesy to others.

 

[Jennifoo]

I think there are several clarifications to be made here, Deacon, for the benefit of the laity who are reading this thread.

First lay persons do confer blessings. They confer those blessings which The Book of Blessings allows them to confer. The rites themselves make clear what they are to do and how they are to do it.

It is also to be underscored that there are indeed times when laity do this side by side with us who are clergy…notably, for example, in the blessing of throats for the liturgical memorial for Saint Blase, bishop and martyr. When they do so, they are to follow the prescriptions provided in the rubrics.

As for blessings at Communion, the laity are to be admonished to follow the directives promulgated by their own diocesan Bishop, for he is the Moderator of the Liturgy for his diocese and he is the shepherd to whom all in the diocese, clergy and laity, owe their submission and their deference.

The Bishop of Saint Petersburg had legislated for his diocese that Extraordinary Ministers in his diocese are to impart blessings…these Extraordinary Ministers should be in full compliance with his directive and the Bishop’s subjects accepting of his decision regarding the matter…as should those in other dioceses where their Bishop has made the same determination.
*Blessing by an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

Question: Can an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) give a blessing to a person who comes to them in the communion line with arms crossed?

Answer: The answer is yes.*
dosp.org/worship/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/Can-an-Extraordinary-Minister-of-Communion-give-a-blessing.pdf

Conversely, the Cardinal Archbishop of New York City has promulgated the following
*12. Should an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion give a blessing to one who
comes forward in the Communion procession, but who does not wish to receive the
Eucharist?

No. In this case, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion should direct the
individual who wishes to receive a blessing to the nearest priest or deacon. In general,
the practice of giving blessings in the course of distributing Holy Communion is
discouraged*
nyliturgy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/EMHCGuidelines10.12.141.pdf

That is His Eminence’s provision, as Moderator of the Liturgy, for his archdiocese…and those under his jurisdiction, as his subjects, should be in full compliance with what he mandates. The Bishops of the various dioceses mandate what they determine – and obedience to them is to be given.

Very enlightening. Thank you for posting this.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

Today the Bishop celebrated Mass.
First he welcomed the baby to be Baptised into the Church. This was done in front of the Congregation. We all clapped. The baby was Baptised by the Bishop after Mass. Next, the Bishop invited all the kids preparing for first Reconcilliation up for blessing and dismissal to class. There were lots of kids. Next, the Bishop invited the RCIA candidates up for blessing and dismissal to class.

Then during Communion, the Bishop took great delight ( so did the remaining younger children) , in personal blessings in the Communion line.

What a wonderful Shepherd we are blessed to have.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

Today the Bishop celebrated Mass.
First he welcomed the baby to be Baptised into the Church. This was done in front of the Congregation. We all clapped. The baby was Baptised by the Bishop after Mass. Next, the Bishop invited all the kids preparing for first Reconcilliation up for blessing and dismissal to class. There were lots of kids. Next, the Bishop invited the RCIA candidates up for blessing and dismissal to class.

Then during Communion, the Bishop took great delight ( so did the remaining younger children) , in personal blessings in the Communion line.

What a wonderful Shepherd we are blessed to have.

:yup: